Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summerville, GA (2024 Update)
- Summerville Solar Installation Cost: $18,304
- 25-Year Savings: $20,909
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Summerville
We go over average solar pricing in Summerville.
The average cost of a solar system in Summerville is 4 per watt.The average Summerville homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,304 with the federal tax credit, or $26,175 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Summerville find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Summerville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Summerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,711 |
| 3 years | $-13,524 |
| 5 years | $-10,338 |
| 7 years | $-7,151 |
| 9 years | $-3,965 |
| 11 years | $-778 |
| 13 years | $2,408 |
| 15 years | $5,595 |
| 17 years | $8,781 |
| 19 years | $11,967 |
| 21 years | $15,154 |
| 23 years | $18,340 |
| 25 years | $21,527 |
Top Solar Installers in Summerville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Summerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summerville
The cost of installing a solar system in Summerville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Summerville, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Summerville have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Summerville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.89 | $16,336 | $12,317 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $16,842 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $21,576 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $26,520 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $31,673 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $37,035 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $42,607 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $48,388 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Summerville, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Summerville?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Summerville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Summerville. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Summerville have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Summerville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.